TCC 2007 Proceedings

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10125/69143

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A Market Analysis of Online Education
(2007) Caudill, Jason; Jason Caudill - The University of Tennessee
The past several years have witnessed a meteoric rise in the number of online degree programs, online colleges and universities, and online students. To be prepared for these new students and new programs institutions need to understand the market forces in place. By examining the growth of the overall online education market and the most popular online program practitioners can gain an understanding of exactly what type of business environment they are working in.
The Development of Online Student Skills: Successful online students share their secrets
(2007) Roper, Alan; Alan R. Roper - Golden Gate University
As more and more traditional adult learners participate in online instruction, there may be a significant change in the development of student skills. This study surveyed a group of adult students who graduated from online credit granting graduate level degree programs with a 3.50 cumulative GPA or better, to learn more about student skills that really worked for them. In this study, successful online graduates discuss their techniques in developing a time management strategy, making the most of online discussions, and how to use it or lose it. The participants in this study also describe how they make asking questions useful to their learning, stay motivated, and what online instruction techniques were the most useful. Another important technique discussed by these successful graduates is how to make a meaningful connection with fellow students in an online class. In addition to the discussion of successful online learning techniques, participants in the study also describe learning from their classmates by using asynchronous discussions, and other means of communication available to the online learner. The successful techniques described in this study can be useful for anyone considering online learning, as well as instructors and course developers in designing more effective and interactive online courses.
Curbing Academic Dishonesty in Online Courses
(2007) Krsak, Anita; Anita M. Krsak - Lakeland Community College
It is common for faculty to believe that academic dishonesty is easier and more prevalent in online courses because of the lack of direct contact with students. This paper examines research into academic dishonesty in online courses, how to prevent cheating when online testing is done, how to detect and prevent plagiarism, how to design online courses to minimize academic dishonesty, and introduces several products and educational practices for preventing dishonesty in the online environment.
Online Learner Satisfaction: Learner-Instructor Discourse
(2007) Kiriakidis, Peter; Peter Kiriakidis - 1387909 ONTARIO INC
This paper discusses the importance of the direct relationship between instructor discourse and learner discourse in the online learning environment during mandatory online discussions. It provides meaningful insights toward pedagogical theory and corresponding instructional practices associated with these two factors: (a) the extent of instructor discourse and (b) the extent of learner discourse within the online learning environment.
Technology-Integrated Education: The Indian Experience
(2007) Poole, Bernard John; Vijayalakshmi, Ch.; Bernard John Poole - University of Pittsburgh; Ch. Vijayalakshmi - Women's University
The paper begins with an overview of the current state of education in India. This provides a context for the ensuing discussion of the extent to which modern computer-based information and communications technologies (ICT) in India are integrated into primary, secondary, and tertiary teaching and learning. Universal education in India for all children between the ages of 6 to 14 is defined as a constitutional right. If a child wants to go to school, the state must provide the opportunity. But it is not obligatory on the part of parents to send their children to school. Literacy rates are thus in some states sadly low. Technology presents a ray of hope, which as yet flickers fitfully like a short-wicked candle that is struggling to burn bright. But pilot technologybased projects here and there in India are showcasing the way to what could be a glowing future for a country that is already very much a power to be reckoned with amongst the community of nations. The paper concludes with a set of recommendations for successful technologyintegrated education.
Adapting on ground teaching strategies to the WWW: The Odyssey Continues
(2007) Evans, Ruby; Ruby Evans - Southern University at Shreveport Louisiana
As the Internet continues an increasingly pervasive form of communication and data transfer, faculty must make adaptations to on-theground teaching strategies that more appropriately align with virtual settings. Modifications to traditional teaching strategies have become a virtual necessity (pun intended). Caution must be exercised, however, in transitioning from on-ground teaching and learning environments to virtual ones. Instructors cannot simply take traditional lectures and place these on the Web. What may marginally work in a traditional classroom will probably not translate to successful instruction over the Web. This paper aims to review the literature and offer an expandable list of strategies regarding best practice in online instruction. These modified on-ground teaching strategies can help the instructor more readily achieve effective instruction in an online setting
Second Life, a Simulation: Barriers, Benefits, and Implications for Teaching
(2007) Teoh, Jase; Jase Teoh - Illinois State University
Simulations are a part of our social and cultural environment; some children grow up playing simulated online games and continue the practice throughout college. However, few educators are experimenting with simulations. Simulations might be used in schools and are particularly important for educators teaching subjects in the natural, physical, and sciences. This paper begins by defining what a simulation is, presents barrier that prevents educators from exploring simulations, argues for the potential of learning through simulations, introduce Second Life (Linden Lab, 2006) as an online simulation, and concludes by presenting implications for educators.
Welcoming Diversity in Distance Education at UH Manoa: The Special Education Department’s Journey
(2007) Skouge, James; Tanners, Adam; Leong, Peter; James R. Skouge - University of Hawaii at Manoa; Adam Tanners - University of Hawaii at Manoa; Peter Leong - University of Hawaii at Manoa
This paper chronicles a 5-year progression in distance education delivery by the Department of Special Education within the UH Manoa College of Education. Particular emphasis is given to technology accommodations for students who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing, including interactive video transmission of American Sign Language (ASL) and real-time captioning. The concept of universal design is discussed in terms of empowering students with diverse learning needs utilizing mainstream educational technologies.
Virtual Labs in the Online Biology Course: Student Perceptions and Implications for Policy and Practice
(2007) Stuckey-Mickell, Tracey; Stuckey-Danner, Bridget; Taylor, Brandon; Tracey A. Stuckey-Mickell - Northern Illinois University; Bridget D. Stuckey-Danner - City Colleges of Chicago; Brandon C. Taylor - Chicago State University
The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate student perceptions of virtual biology labs used in two online introductory biology courses. Students completed an online survey about their experiences using several CD-ROM-based virtual laboratories. The authors present preliminary results of this survey, a brief synthesis of extant literature in this area, and suggestions for future research on examining student learning outcomes and effectiveness of virtual biology laboratories.
Improving the Podcast as a Lecture Content Delivery Method
(2007) Ogawa, Michael-Brian; Nickles, David; Michael-Brian Ogawa - University of Hawaii at Manoa; David Nickles - University of Hawaii at Manoa
The most common method of instruction in largeenrollment courses is lecturing. In recent years, a growing trend is to instruct lecture classes by podcasting course content. ICS 101, a beginning computer science course, at the University of Hawaii at Manoa utilizes podcasting as a mode of lecture content delivery. The method used to podcast evolved during the course from a traditional podcast to an enhanced podcast. Therefore, the researchers explored the two modes of podcasting and found that there is little statistical difference between the two. However, having visual aids, whether through an enhanced podcast or including a PDF with a traditional podcast, improves students’ perception of podcasting and lecture content. The researchers recommend focusing on the pedagogy behind the instruction as opposed to the addition of new features due to the minor gain in achievement.
Blended Realities: A Virtual Tour of Education in Second Life
(2007) Calongne, Cynthia; Hiles, Jeff; Cynthia Calongne - Colorado Technical University; Jeff Hiles - Wright State University
The educational use of Second Life’s online virtual world flourished in 2006. More than 100 universities and the New Media Consortium, with over 225 member universities, museums and research centers, have a presence in Second Life. This essay on education in a virtual world begins with a description of the context and concludes with a tour of the educational courses and educators who are teaching in this virtual world, including a list of the resources and organizations that make it possible. Examples of youth education programs and university activities characterize the face of education in Second Life and reflect the successful implementation of coursework in a virtual world.
Is WebCT a Better Choice for On-Campus Marketing Students? The experience of undergraduate student users in Victoria, Australia
(2007) Madden-Hallett, Helen; Helen Madden-Hallett - Victoria University
Universities in Australia are increasingly replacing elements of their traditional on-campus lectures and tutorials with more advanced technological approaches. These technologies provide universities with an ideal opportunity for on-campus students to access learning resources and provide them with more control over their learning. The current study focuses on on-campus students enrolled in four undergraduate marketing subjects that have used WebCT to facilitate students’ learning. The sample consisted of 328 undergraduate marketing students. The findings indicated that most respondents enjoyed using WebCT, they found it user friendly and that its use enhanced their impression of themselves and of others. Students were also positive about its usefulness for accessing administrative materials.
The Confluence: Process Theory, Contact Zones, and Online Composition
(2007) McMillan-Clifton, Alexis; Alexis McMillan-Clifton - Highline Community College
I look at the utilization of online discussion forums in composition classes. The implementation of new technology is significantly changing the look of writing classrooms, in particular, in a way that works to both the students’ and the school’s advantage. Basic ideas of composition theory, including process theory and the contact zone, are better implemented through online technology in a meaningful and lasting way.
Online PPST Preparation for the Pacific
(2007) McKimmy, Paul; Lucas, C. M.; Di, Xu; Paul B. McKimmy - University of Hawaii at Manoa; C. M. Lucas - University of Hawaii at Manoa; Xu Di - University of Hawaii at Manoa
The PRAXIS I® PPST exam is widely used as an entry requirement to teacher preparation programs, and as such represents a barrier for some to enter the teaching profession. Preparation programs have successfully increased student success rates on the PPST. A new online preparatory program is available through the University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa (UHM), including diagnostic pretests and individually tailored content delivery paths in math, reading, and writing. By partnering with Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL), the College of Education at UHM has made this system available to Pacific nations. Participants evidence a preference for preparing in one or two of the PPST content areas rather than all three. Availability of individual content preparation systems has been made available to encourage student use. An improved licensure rate based on successful PPST completion is expected in response to system availability.
Online Tutoring and the Offshoring of Education
(2007) Ciano, Linda; Linda Ciano - New York University
With the rise of the Internet, tutoring – one-on-one adultto-child instruction – has moved into the virtual realm. Now, widespread access to increasingly sophisticated and inexpensive computer equipment combined with economic considerations have resulted in the tutoring business moving offshore, particularly to India. This paper explores the resulting debate about the appropriateness and effectiveness of offshore, online tutoring and what makes for quality online tutoring in general.
Assessing Online Asynchronous Discussion in Online Courses: An Empirical Study
(2007) Liu, Shijuan; Shijuan Liu - Indiana University
Online asynchronous discussion is argued to have many benefits for student learning. However, whether student participation in the asynchronous discussion should be assessed is controversial. Furthermore, how to assess their participation has been a huge challenge faced by many online instructors. While there is a growing body of literature addressing these issues, there is still a lack of empirical studies in this regard. This paper reported the results of a recent empirical study conducted at a large, public, Midwestern university. Fifty online courses offered by five different Masters’ programs were examined and twenty instructors were interviewed. Major research questions included: How was the online discussion organized in the courses examined? How did the instructors grade the discussion? Why did they make certain decisions on these issues, such as what their rationales, considerations, and concerns were?
Gaming/Writing: Alternative Discourse Communities in Online or Digitally Enhanced Technical Writing Classrooms
(2007) Richards, Anne; Lamberti, Adrienne; Anne R. Richards - University of Sfax, Kennesaw State University; Adrienne P. Lamberti - University of Northern Iowa
This presentation focuses on the infusion of computer gaming into writing pedagogy at those entry points where the practice can enrich online or digitally enhanced technical writing courses. We ground our conceptualization of community briefly and explain how we invoked this understanding as a heuristic during ethnographic study of dedicated gamers. We discuss interviews that shed light on the intersections between community-building and the notably technical nature of much writing produced during gaming activities. We explore how the act of gaming/writing, in conjunction with the most pedagogically appropriate and attractive features of gaming, suggests teaching strategies and specific assignment prompts to support and to amplify pre-existing approaches to the teaching of writing in e-learning contexts.
Building Community, Linking Islands: A Distance Learning Model from Hawaii
(2007) Menchaca, Michael; Hoffman, Ellen; Leong, Peter; Eichelberger, Ariana; Mike Menchaca - University of Hawaii at Manoa; Ellen S. Hoffman - University of Hawaii at Manoa; Peter Leong - University of Hawaii at Manoa; Ariana Eichelberger - University of Hawaii at Manoa
While online learning is a relatively new domain with few research based models, results from previous studies can be used in program and course design to provide a foundation for success. Tools and strategies, when carefully aligned and informed by research findings, can support high quality learning and a strong community of learners. A case study is presented that details tools, strategies, and student feedback about an online educational technology graduate program at the University of Hawaii-Manoa linking a professional community in the Hawaiian islands.

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